PICTURED: Kindly grandfather, 86, who was bashed to death by cruel thieves during a brutal home invasion as his wife is rushed to hospital with horror injuries
- Police were called to Tallowwood Ave, Cherrybrook, about 12.30am Wednesday
- An elderly couple were found with serious head injuries and taken to hospital
- Kalim Saliba, 86, suffered serious head injuries and died at Westmead Hospital
- His wife, 84, is in hospital in a a serious but stable condition following the attack
- Police were told two armed men forced entry into the home then assaulted them
Orchard owner Kalim Saliba, 86, has died after he and his wife were assaulted during a home invasion in the early hours of Wednesday morning
An elderly orchard owner has died after he and his wife were bashed in a horrific home invasion.
Two burglars broke into a home in Cherrybrook in Sydney's north west just before 12.30am on Wednesday before demanding money from the couple and assaulting them.
Police arrived at the Tallowwood Avenue property to find the occupants, Kalim Saliba, 86, and his wife, 84, with serious head injuries.
Mr Saliba was taken to Westmead Hospital but died later on Wednesday morning.
His wife also suffered a fractured arm and is recovering in hospital.
A relative of the family said his death was 'tragic beyond words'.
The couple own the family-run Saliba Fruits apple orchard in the Blue Mountains town of Bilpin.
Naj Joukhdar, a family friend of the victims, reacts to the tragedy after speaking to the media
Ms Joukhdar broke down in tears outside the crime scene at a home on Tallowwood Avenue at Cherrybrook in Sydney on Wednesday
A police forensic worker is pictured at the scene of the home invasion. Mr Saliba has died in hospital
Mr Saliba was taken to Westmead Hospital (pictured) but later died after his life support machine was turned off
'He was a loving grandfather, a farmer for decades and to lose him like this is beyond comprehension,' the relative told 10Daily.
'He worked so hard all his life and was such a kind man that everyone respected and adored. We are very saddened by this news.'
Police believe the attack was targeted and the two men involved were armed, but have yet to establish a motive.
Share this article
A neighbour on the quiet suburban street told The Daily Telegraph the death was a complete shock.
'This has never happened in this suburb in the 22 years I’ve lived here,' they said.
Acting Superintendent Anthony Boyd told reporters it is believed the couple were awake and watching TV together when the burglars broke into their home.
A forensic crew member is pictured at the scene on Wednesday. Mr Saliba died in hospital after he suffered serious head injuries during the home invasion
Police search nearby bins as they establish a crime scene at the home on Tallowwood Avenue on Wednesday
A police officer takes photographs of the crime scene. Police believe the burglars threatened the couple before then assaulting them
He added early investigations indicated the husband was assaulted when he tried to defend his wife.
The wife alerted neighbours to the burglary, who then called the police.
'To attack defenseless elderly people in their own home is a cowardly, gutless act,' he said.
A police officer at the scene on Wednesday. Early investigations indicate the husband was assaulted when he tried to defend his wife, acting superintendent Anthony Boyd said
Police have been told the armed men, who had their faces concealed, threatened the couple before assaulting them.
It is not believed anything was taken from the home during the burglary.
Detectives have established a crime scene at the home and forensic crew were pictured at the home on Wednesday combing the scene for evidence.
An investigation into the incident is underway and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
